Abbott provides leading support for this year’s Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing

CHICAGO, August 14, 2018— Abbott and Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) proudly invite you to join the highly anticipated Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing on Monday, Aug. 20, 2017, at the exclusive Skokie Country Club.

The annual event raises critical funds to equalize access to high quality youth development programs for children living in Chicago’s underserved communities. The Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing is one of only two charitable events hosted at the Skokie Country Club each year.

CYC is pleased to announce Abbott, an American worldwide healthcare company, as this year’s title sponsor for the Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing.

“Abbott is proud to be the title sponsor of the Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing for the second year,” said Al Reid, CYC Board Member and Divisional Vice President at Abbott Laboratories. “We believe in creating enriching and educational opportunities for Chicago’s children. Abbott stands behind CYC’s mission to invest in youth in underserved communities to help them discover and realize their full potential.”

The Skokie Country Club, the fifth oldest golf club in Illinois, is a Donald Ross masterpiece with fast, undulating greens and a challenging layout that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The morning session starts at 7 a.m. and the afternoon session begins at 11 a.m.

About Chicago Youth Centers (CYC): For hundreds of children and families, CYC is the place where possibility lives. CYC’s early childhood, after-school, and summer programs help children and teens grow socially and emotionally and build skills for the 21st century. By providing opportunities for enrichment and helping them form meaningful relationships, they grow to be caring, successful adults who build bright futures for themselves and their families.

The James Bond-themed event will help raise funds for CYC-Fellowship House in Bridgeport (844 W. 32nd St.) The Center is an energetic community hub located in the middle of a Chicago Housing Authority complex and serves more than 120 children ages 3-18 and their families each year. Through its programming, youth are equipped with the tools to succeed in the 21st century workplace. Whether the children are making care packages to distribute to the homeless population in Bridgeport or learning how to use 3-D printer pens, CYC-Fellowship House is known for being a safe haven and pillar of the Bridgeport community.

“Epsilon Economics is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the third annual Shake & Stir,” said Tom Vander Veen, managing director at Epsilon Economics and a CYC board member. “We stand behind Chicago Youth Centers’ mission of equalizing access to resources for all of Chicago’s children, and we are especially excited about the positive impact this event will have on Bridgeport’s vibrant community.”

Last year, the second annual Shake & Stir raised more than $88,000 net for CYC-Sidney Epstein Youth Center in North Lawndale. CYC invites members of the media to attend the event or visit CYC-Fellowship House. For more information or photo permission, please contact Shannon Page, CYC Director of Communications, at (312) 913-1700 ext. 451 or shannon.page@chicagoyouthcenters.org. Tickets start at $100. To purchase, visit CYC’s website.

About Chicago Youth Centers (CYC): For more than 1,400 children ages 3-18, CYC is where possibility lives. CYC provides youth in Chicago’s underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to achieve success in the 21st century. Through its seven neighborhood Centers and community partner sites that offer out-of-school time programs, CYC creates opportunities for experiential learning, so youth are empowered to persist in school and develop employable skills. At CYC, youth discover their potential and ultimately enter a pathway to upward mobility. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, on Twitter @ChicagoCYC, and Facebook.com/ChicagoYouthCenters.

Kevin Cherep will bring visionary and transformational leadership to Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization

CHICAGO, Aug. 7, 2017— Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is pleased to announce that Kevin Cherep, the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, is starting his new role on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

Cherep will primarily be based at CYC-Central Office, 218 S. Wabash Ave.

He was selected as CYC’s new head in mid-July after an exhaustive four-month search conducted by the CYC Board of Directors, following the departure of former President and CEO Barbara Mosacchio in March.

“We received an overwhelming response to the job opening and feel fortunate to have had such a rich pool of applicants,” said Daniel Feeney, chair of the CYC Board of Directors. “We are confident that Kevin’s experience, knowledge, and passion are a great match for the staff, stakeholders, and – most importantly – the kids of CYC. Together, we will work to advance our mission and ensure that Chicago’s children receive the tools, experiences, and opportunities needed to find a path up and out of poverty and violence.”

As a veteran in the non-profit sector, Cherep has tackled large and systemic social problems like access to healthcare, global poverty, and global health issues.

Cherep served as the Chief of Global Development for the International Association of Lions Clubs prior to joining CYC. He managed three international offices, led the development of a global strategic plan, and oversaw all service programming and government advocacy efforts.

Before his work with Lions, Cherep was the Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Soles4Souls and the Executive Director of Foundations of Saint Thomas Health.

Cherep studied non-profit management at DePaul University and is involved in several professional associations, including the American Society of Fund Raising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.

Cherep said he looks forward to bringing his insight and perspective to CYC as he develops a vision for the future of the 61-year-old organization.

“Every day at CYC, in the eyes of each child we serve, we see firsthand the impact of our efforts,” Cherep said. “That makes me incredibly excited. I will tirelessly focus my efforts on sharing our story and message, building strong relationships and partnerships, and increasing revenue to continuously deepen the difference we make.”

About Chicago Youth Centers (CYC): For more than 2,000 children ages 3-18, CYC is where possibility lives. CYC provides youth in Chicago’s underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to achieve success in the 21st century. Through its seven neighborhood Centers and community partner sites that offer out-of-school time programs, CYC creates opportunities for experiential learning, so youth are empowered to persist in school and develop employable skills. At CYC, youth discover their potential and ultimately enter a pathway to upward mobility. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, on Twitter @ChicagoCYC, and Facebook.com/ChicagoYouthCenters.

CHICAGO, July 27, 2017— Abbott and Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) proudly invite you to join the highly anticipated Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at the exclusive Skokie Country Club.

The event, which is in its 25th year, seeks to raise critical funds to carry out programming for CYC, Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization. Last year’s event raised more than $111,000, which went toward funding programs such as the Maker Lab, which provides STEM experiences, digital media, filmmaking, violence prevention, arts, music, and recreation for youth in Chicago’s most underserved communities.

CYC is pleased to announce Abbott, an American worldwide healthcare company, as this year’s title sponsor for the Chipping in for Chicago Youth Golf Outing.

"As co-chair of this event, I am proud to partner with my fellow co-chair and CYC board member, Al Reid, and Abbott to invest in Chicago's children through this annual golf outing,” said CYC board member Rick Baer. “With 87% of every dollar raised going toward developing tomorrow’s leaders, this is an opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of more than 2,000 of Chicago’s youth and their families.”

The Skokie Country Club, the fifth oldest golf club in Illinois, is a Donald Ross masterpiece with fast, undulating greens and a challenging layout that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The morning session starts at 7 a.m. and the afternoon session begins at 11 a.m.

The opportunity to play at a historic masterpiece and one of the top private golf clubs in the nation

A morning or afternoon session that allows golfers to experience the Skokie Country Club by playing in a "best ball" tournament

Carts for all players and one caddie for each foursome

Halfway house and accommodations throughout the event

Breakfast (for morning players)

A delicious lunch buffet

Silent auction and raffle

Hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and an awards dinner

To view costs and package details for sponsorships, foursomes, and individual play time, visit bit.ly/2sHahDN. To ensure placement in shotgun time of choice, registration is requested by Aug. 4. The deadline for player registration and on-hole recognition is Aug. 11.

About Chicago Youth Centers: CYC gives youth in Chicago’s underserved communities the tools needed to achieve success in school, life, and ultimately the workforce: innovative and creative spaces to learn, engaged families and mentors, and programs designed to allow children to discover their potential. CYC serves more than 2,000 children and their families each year at its six neighborhood Centers and several partner sites. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, on Twitter @ChicagoCYC, and Facebook.com/ChicagoYouthCenters.

Funding from steel and mining company supports enrichment programs for Chicago Youth Centers children and teens

CHICAGO, June 23, 2017, — Even though Nathaniel is only seven years old, he is already a budding engineer.

He knows how to collaborate with a team, communicate with his peers, and creatively problem solve – all while playing with some pretty cool gadgets. This is possible due to the generosity of companies like ArcelorMittal, a steel and mining company.

ArcelorMittal granted Chicago Youth Centers $15,000 last year to help offer robust and comprehensive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula to 125 youth at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center (CYC-Crown), located in Chicago’s South Shore community. Activities took place in the CYC Maker Lab, a creative and technical workshop where youth use equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters to create projects.

CYC also launched a new robotics program due to ArcelorMittal’s support. Since starting the program, children like Nathaniel have been learning at an early age what it means to be successful in the workplace.

“ArcelorMittal is proud to support Chicago Youth Centers and the Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center Maker Lab. The Maker Lab equips students with new STEM skills and experiences that we believe will inspire them to be the scientists and engineers of tomorrow,” said Marcy Twete, Division Manager, Corporate Responsibility, ArcelorMittal Americas.

CYC found that of the involved youth:

83% demonstrated increased knowledge of STEM subjects

86% demonstrated increased critical thinking skills

81% demonstrated increased communication skills

In addition to ArcelorMittal, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Best Buy, and the FIRST Robotics Competition have supported the robotics program at CYC-Crown. CYC is grateful for ArcelorMittal’s efforts in helping to create a clear vision for students passionate about STEM, contributing to CYC’s mission to be the place where possibility lives.

About Chicago Youth Centers: CYC gives youth ages 3-18 in Chicago’s underserved communities the tools needed to achieve in the 21st century, and helps them persist academically and develop socially and emotionally. CYC serves more than 2,000 children and their families each year at its seven neighborhood Centers and several partner sites. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, on Twitter, or email info@chicagoyouthcenters.org.

CHICAGO —Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization raised an incredible $470,000 with its largest fundraiser, The Believe in Kids Dinner: Above & Beyond sponsored by Wintruston Thursday, May 18th at The Standard Club. More than 350 guests enjoyed dinner and the evening hosted by CNN correspondent Rosa Flores and featured remarks from Honorary ChairEdward J. Wehmer (Founder, President and CEO of Wintrust.) TheHonorable Kimberly M. Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney and CYC Alumna addressed the crowd as the keynote speaker. Foxx discussed her personal journey with Chicago Youth Centers and how that put her on a path to becoming the first African American womento lead the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office—the second largest prosecutor’s office in the country.

“Wintrust's support of Chicago Youth Centers' annual Believe in Kids Dinner demonstrates its strong commitment to our community and the ongoing dedication to making a difference in the lives of our children and families. I'm particularly proud of this year's dinner, which will focus on the stories of the nonprofit’s alumni, who have gone on to achieve success and inspire the next generation,” said CYC Board Chair Daniel M. Feeney. “I'm very grateful for Wintrust and our Board member, Wintrust Executive Vice President John Dvorak, for helping to bring these stories to life."

The mission of Chicago Youth Centers is to empower children and teens to recognize and experience their full potential. This annual dinner celebrates CYC alumni, families, staff, and supporters, and raises needed funds for Chicago’s largest private youth organization.

The program included the 2017 Epstein-Donnelley Spirit of Youth Award Winner, Lydia Diaz, a CYC parent,and 2017 Epstein Scholarship Winner, Maleek Willis. Willis is a senior at Farragut High School that will be attending Florida Memorial University with help from Chicago Youth Centers.

“Children have no say over the life and circumstances they are born into,” said Event Honorary Chair Edward J. Wehmer (Founder, President and CEO of Wintrust.) “That’s why an organization like Chicago Youth Centers is so important. Every kid deserves a level playing field and—by providing academic, social and emotional support, and specialized programming and resources—CYC is giving the city’s most vulnerable kids and families a leg up.”

The event would not be possible without Presenting Sponsor Wintrust and all of the additional generous event sponsors. Learn more about the sponsors at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org. 90% of every dollar donated to the Believe in Kids Dinner goes to direct services that empower youth to achieve upward mobility and succeed in whatever they do.

About Chicago Youth Centers: CYC supports children and families in underserved communities so they can succeed in the 21st century. Through its seven centers and several partner sites, CYC provides the experiences and resources needed for youth ages 3-18 to persist academically and develop socially and emotionally. Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org or www.facebook.com/chicagoyouthcenters